Shillong, July 6: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has demanded a white paper on the actual areas of difference between Meghalaya and Assam so that people are made aware of the truth. Also, it has sought inclusion of the Federation of Khasi States and autonomous district councils (ADCs) for any discussion on the interstate boundary.

In a memorandum submitted to the State Home Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui on Monday, through the Health Minister AL Hek, HITO president Donbok Dkhar said the MDA government should table a white paper in the public domain so that all stakeholders are made aware of the truth and facts vis-à-vis information on the actual areas of difference between Meghalaya, Federation of Khasi States (Chiefs) and Assam.

At the same time, he urged the state government to move the Centre for constitution of a boundary committee for resolving the interstate border dispute with Assam at the earliest.

He said the proposed committee should also comprise representatives from the Federation of Khasi States and the ADCs.

“We also categorically state that any discussion/negotiation on the boundary dispute between Meghalaya and Assam must include the Federation of Khasi States Clause 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the Annexed Agreement of the Instrument of Accession, accepted and signed by Shri. C Rajagopalachari, Governor General of India and the twenty-five Khasi States on 17 August 1948,” Dkhar said.

He pointed out that this significant and long-awaited Treaty is yet to be honoured by the Government of India and the Khasi States, hence, it is incumbent on the MDA government to clarify its position on this Treaty of the Khasi States because failing to do so will undermine the spirit of the Treaty during boundary parleys.

Meanwhile, he lauded the Centre for initiating steps towards solving the long pending inter-state border issues prior to the celebration of India’s 75th Independence Day.